Keeping Your Cool in the Summer’s Heat

Hi, Everyone: Here’s some timely advice from Operator Representative Anita Gates. It was originally intended to be included in the newsletter you received recently but did not make that publication. In any case, with still, hopefully a few hot days to encounter this season, it contains a lot of valuable thoughts and tips about keeping yourself and others safe and comfortable in the summer heat. Please have a read.

 

 

 

As warmer temperatures are starting, it’s time to think through how your will keep yourself safe in the heat of the day. Here are some signs to look out for with heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

HEATSTROKE is caused by exposure to hot temperatures or intense physical activity. Symptoms can include

  • body temperature of 104F/40C or higher
  • altered mental state such as confusion, agitation, irritability, disorientation, delirium
  • slurred speech
  • staggering
  • seizures, coma
  • sweating-headache
  • dizziness or light-headedness
  • fainting
  • nausea or vomiting
  • flushed or reddened skin.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Call 911 and take immediate action to cool down until help arrives.

HEAT EXHAUSTION can include

  • feeling faint or dizzy
  • excessive sweating
  • cool, pale, clammy skin
  • nausea and vomiting
  • rapid, weak pulse
  • muscle cramps.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?!

  • get to a cooler air conditioned place or shade
  • drink water if fully conscious
  • take a cool shower or use a cold compress on face & neck.

In our work areas whether it’s on the bus or working in the garages or on platforms, stay hydrated. Bring lots of water with you. Freeze your water so it can keep your lunch cool plus melt as your day goes on to drink. Avoid sugary drinks. Get yourself a water spritzer. Most dollar stores sell them. The misting is so refreshing!

Use cooling towels/clothes. They can be bought many places , just wet them down completely but don’t wring them out. They’ll absorb and hold the moisture for hours. You can wrap them around your neck. In extreme heat you could run your shirt in cold water and put it back on.

Keep your feet cool. Use short socks , shoes that have netting around them.

Use personal fans and those in your work area.

WORKING in FLEET & MAINTENANCE:

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion/stroke and if feeling any symptoms, go to an air conditioned area such as maintenance office/lunchroom and let your foreperson know.

Take micro breaks especially in extreme heat and/or physical activity. Take care of yourself and be aware of changes with your body.

Above all, be good to yourself. If you think somethings not right with yourself or others, let control know.

Get outside with family and friends and enjoy our beautiful summer ! After all, it’s not all about work.

Anita Gates